Motion Computing F5

For those applications where a stylus isn't ideal - navigating through inventory lists or complex spreadsheets, for example - there's a directional pad on the top right of the unit.

And if you really can't live without a keyboard, Motion Computing offer a petite USB model with a built in trackpad as an optional £29 extra. Best of all, its small size turns the F5 into a highly compact workstation.

In keeping with its versatile nature, the F5 sent to us for review boasted an impressive range of features. Wired connectivity is rather limited - there is no VGA port, no USB ports and wired networking is conspicuous only by its absence - you'll need to slot the F5 into the optional docking station if you want those.

In their place, however, there are 802.11abg and HSDPA networking modules, a fingerprint reader and matching TPM 1.2 module, a barcode scanner, an RFID reader and a two megapixel webcam.

The webcam isn't designed for chatting to friends and family, however - it's mounted on the rear of the unit to assist with such tasks as documenting repair work or wirelessly sending images to colleagues for assistance with troubleshooting or diagnosis.

Considering its high price, the F5's core specification is pretty basic. Even with Windows XP Tablet edition installed, the Intel Core Solo U1400 processor and 2GB of RAM limped to a modest 0.34 in our benchmarks. Vista Business is an option but given the limited performance on offer, its one we'd avoid if at all possible.

Battery life is another area in which the F5 doesn't leave us entirely convinced. Under light use the supplied 4000mAh battery lasted an acceptable but, given the low-voltage processor, unremarkable 4hrs 14mins.

Combine the F5 with the optional Docking Station, though, and you can always leave a spare battery charging for when its needed. And under heavy usage the U1400s modest power requirements and limited processing power come into their own, helping it last over two hours.

Finally, we think the 40GB hard disk is also a touch frugal, and although the top of the range F5 boasts a 32GB SSD more in keeping with it's semi-ruggedised credentials, it raises the already eye-watering price tag by another £450.

The F5 is a fine addition to Motion Computing's range, and while the high price puts it well out of the reach of the average consumer, its fine design and carefully tailored range of abilities will prove highly attractive to the vertical markets at which its aimed.

But, remember to factor in the price of a spare battery - £90 - and the docking station - another £190 - as they transform the F5 from an expensive novelty into a compact, versatile work tool.

Author: Sasha Muller